Exploration

Research question

The research question is undoubtedly the most important part in an experimental report, because the entire report depends on the RQ. The RQ defines the experiment and it needs to be very well thought and there should be no extra words, nor irrelevant information included. The RQ is the question that you aim to answer in the experiment. It should state a specific (and measurable) DV, a specific (measurable) IV, some RELEVANT CVs (that were actually controlled during the experiment) and the scientific name of the species used in the investigation (binomial scientific name in italics). I recommend the following format: To what extent does the "IV" affect the "DV", measured as "device" at "CV".

In a lab report, a good background information should address the RQ, the method should be designed to answer the RQ, the results should provide data to answer the RQ, the processing should done in a way that addresses the RQ and the conclusion should attempt to answer the RQ. The evaluation will reflect on the limitations in answering the RQ and discuss how to obtain better or more evidence to answer the RQ. My advice: spend time and consider every word that you include in this question. Think on the the best way to formulate the RQ, because it will drive your entire experiment.

Variables

Variables are factors that change according to the topic of the investigation. In science variables must be measurable and measurements have uncertainties (with very few exceptions). A variable without its measuring unit and its uncertainty is an incomplete variable. Defining the clear variables and explaining them is the first step in the design of a good exploration. All variables must be referred in the method with detailed information about how are they measured and controlled. Specific values with uncertainties for ALL variables must be presented in the lab report.

Clearly presented variables are essential to allow repeatability of the experiment: a well defined experiment allow any other scientist to repeat the experiment and obtain the same results that were obtained in the lab report. Repeatability is a very important characteristic of a good lab design.

Dependent variable

Only one dependent variable should be presented in each experiment. The dependent variable (DV) is the main goal of the investigation. It is the variable that will be measured and that will provide the experimental data and results. It is essential to choose a very SPECIFIC dependent variable and an appropriate device or apparatus to measure it. Uncertainty must be consider throughout the experimental report, especially in data tables and in the evaluation.

Independent variable

Only one independent variable should be investigated in each experiment. The independent variable (IV) is the factor that will be purposely modified by the researcher to observe it effect on the dependent variable. The IV must be accurately measured and that will provide the frame in which the experimental data and results are presented. It is essential to choose a very SPECIFIC independent variable and an appropriate device or apparatus to measure it. Uncertainty must be consider throughout the experimental report, especially in data tables, in the evaluation of the method and in the analysis of experimental results .

Controlled variables

To ensure that the experimental design is rigorous, all variables apart from the DV and the IV should be kept constant. Controlled variables (CVs) are factors that affect the dependent variable and that need to be kept constant so that the changes observed in the dependent variable can be assumed to be caused by the intentional changes in the independent variable (treatments). Controlled variables must be measured (with units and uncertainties) in the investigation and the specific value at which they were kept constant should be stated (if temperature was constant, at what SPECIFIC temperature was the experiment performed). CV should be monitored throughout the experiment (to ensure that they are constant) and they MUST appear in the method, stating how and when are they controlled. When CV are presented, an explanation must be provided for each one: why is this a CV in this experiment? Explain how they may affect the DV and how were they controlled/monitored in the experiment. Provide the SPECIFIC quantities for each of your controlled variables. CV must be measured and kept constant, if you should have keep a CV but you didn't, that must be discussed in the evaluation as an experimental limitation and/or suggestions for improvement of the method.

Uncontrolled variables

An uncontrolled variable is an experimental variable that has the potential to impact the relationship between the independent and dependent variable but can't be controlled in the experiment. Uncontrolled variables can cause false correlations, improper analysis of results and incorrect conclusions. If a variable that should be kept constant can't be kept constant, it should be listes as an uncontrolled variable and it should be discussed in the evaluation.

Method/Procedure

A method consists of a series of VERY SPECIFIC instructions organized in numbered steps. Each step should begin with an action verb that indicates what needs to be done and the statement should be clear and specific. The method should allow for sufficient data collection and include all the specific equipment required to obtain accurate raw data. The method should include information about how all the variables are measured and about how the controlled variables are kept constant, including the values at which these variables were kept constant. A clearly labeled diagram of the experimental setup is highly recommended as it often aids the understanding of the lab. Diagrams can be drawn by hand or using software (such as Google Drawings), but they can also be properly labelled photographs.

Background information

The background information should provide relevant bibliographic information obtained by cited research. The goal is to facilitate the understanding of the experiment and to provide context. This is the pre-research that is done before the lab is conducted and it is essential to make a good experiment.

Research should focus first on the topic of the investigation and on the organism used for the investigation. The dependent variable and the independent variable of the experiment should also be considered in this section. What is already known about how the effects of the independent variable on living organisms? Has the dependent variable being tested in other experiments by other researchers? What is known about the effects of the dependent, independent and controlled variables on the species that you are investigating? References to multiple sources of research, including in-text citations and formatted bibliography must be properly addressed here. MLA8 format is required and MyBib software is recommended.